Raynaud's Phenomenon

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a problem that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. In some cases, it also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. This happens due to spasms of blood vessels in those areas. The spasms happen in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset.

Raynaud’s can occur on its own, known as primary form. Or it may happen along with other diseases, known as secondary form. The diseases most often linked with Raynaud’s are autoimmune or connective tissue diseases such as:

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematous)

Scleroderma

CREST syndrome (a form of scleroderma)

Buerger disease

Sjögren syndrome

Rheumatoid arthritis

Occlusive vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis

Polymyositis

Blood disorders, such as Cryoglobulinemia

Thyroid disorders

Pulmonary hypertension

The primary form of Raynaud’s is the most common type. It often begins between ages 15 and 25. It’s less severe than secondary Raynaud’s. People with primary Raynaud’s do not often develop a related condition.

What causes Raynaud's phenomenon?

The exact cause of Raynaud’s is unknown. It is possible that some blood disorders may cause Raynaud’s by increasing the blood thickness. This may happen due to excess platelets or red blood cells. Or special receptors in the blood that control the narrowing of the blood vessels may be more sensitive.

Who is at risk for Raynaud's phenomenon?

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing the condition, such as:

A connective tissue or autoimmune disease

Chemical exposure

Cigarette smoking

Injury or trauma

Repetitive actions, such as typing or use of tools that vibrate like a jack hammer

Side effects from certain medicines

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. Common symptoms include:

Fingers that turn pale or white then blue when exposed to cold, or during stress or emotional upset, then red when the hands are warmed

Hands that may become swollen and painful when warmed

Sores on the finger pads develop, in severe cases

Gangrene in the fingers that causes infection or needs amputation, this is rare

How is Raynaud's phenomenon diagnosed?

The process starts with a medical history and a physical exam. Your healthcare provider may give you a cold challenge test. This is done to see the color changes in the hands and fingers. During the test, your hands are exposed to cold. Your healthcare provider may also look at the tiny blood vessels in your fingernails with a microscope. Adults who start to have Raynaud’s phenomenon after age 35 may be tested for an underlying disease. You may have blood tests to see if your condition is primary or secondary.

How is Raynaud's phenomenon treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, your age, and your general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. There is no cure for Raynaud’s phenomenon, but it can be managed with proper treatment. Treatment may include:

Avoiding exposure to cold

Keeping warm with gloves, socks, scarf, and a hat

Stopping smoking

Wearing finger guards over fingers with sores

Avoiding trauma or vibrations to the hand (such as with vibrating tools)

Taking blood pressure medicines during the winter months to help reduce constriction of the blood vessels

Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

What are the complications of Raynaud’s phenomenon?

In rare cases, sores on finger pads may occur. These sores may progress to gangrene. In rare cases, gangrene may lead to finger amputation.

Living with Raynaud’s phenomenon

For most people living with Raynaud’s, it is more of an inconvenience than a serious problem. Avoiding triggers, primarily cold, can reduce the spasms that lead to symptoms. If there is an underlying cause, such as scleroderma or lupus, it may be more difficult to manage attacks. If you have secondary Raynaud’s, work with your healthcare provider to manage your underlying condition. This may decrease attacks of Raynaud’s.

When should I call my health care provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know.

Key points about Raynaud’s phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a disorder that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. In some cases, it also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose.

Spasms of blood vessels happen in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset.

Secondary causes of Raynaud’s include lupus, scleroderma, and other diseases.

Symptoms of Raynaud’s include fingers that turn pale or white then blue when exposed to cold, or during stress or emotional upset. They then red when the hands are warmed.